48 hours in México City 

Your guide to the perfect two days in Mexico, filled with culture, good food, and unforgettable visits 

Day one 

Wake up and go to Comal Oculto for breakfast. Comal Oculto is a small restaurant with communal tables. You can't miss ordering the gordita especial (paired with guacamole and house salsas-matcha or verde). If you want something else, go for the flautas ahogadas or enchiladas divorciadas. Pro tip: pick chamorro for the enchiladas; if you choose flautas, papa is the move. Their agua fresca of the day is extremely refreshing and goes perfectly with the food.

Afterward, visit Kurmianzutto Gallery, a pillar of the Mexican art scene, with creative exhibitions featuring some of the best Mexican artists. Got extra time? Head to Casa Luis Barragan, where the use of light, color, and shadow will blow you away. Right across the street is LABOR gallery, which showcases great exhibitions in an open space. 

Walk through Parque Chapultepec toward the Museo de Antropología, where you could easily spend the whole day exploring archaeological artifacts from Mesoamerica and exhibits celebrating Mexico’s ethnic diversity and rich heritage. My favorite part of the museum is the open courtyard with its monumental fountain.

For lunch, go to Contramar. It is famous for a reason. Their atmosphere and food are unmatched. Share the tuna tostadas and don't skip the tacos Esmedregal de pastor or tacos estilo Ensenada de pescado. Save room for dessert: the strawberry meringue or the fig tart. 

Wander around Parque Mexico, one of the most beautiful parks in the city, with tall trees, street vendors, and people dancing. If you want something sweet and a traditional Mexican dessert, swing by Churreria el Morro (the cinnamon sugar churro paired with hot chocolate is incredible). If you want to go to the most popular bakery in the city, detour to Panaderia Rosetta and order the roll de guayaba. It's flaky, buttery, fresh, but not too sweet. Odette is also a great spot for good coffee and pastries. 

If you're in the mood for shopping, walk around Roma and Condesa. Go to Carla Fernandez for modern pieces, Xinú for perfumes, Originario for fun objects to decorate your house, Costaiia´s showroom for elegant yet creative clothing, or order a huipile, a traditional textile dress, from Amantolli. Their colors and patterns are amazing.  

For something fast and casual, go to Tacos del Valle or Castacan (order their tortas with cochinita pibil or lechon and castacan). If you're in the mood for something more elevated, head to Ticuchi. It is a lightly lit spot with a beautiful skylight, run by chef Enrique Olvera in Pujoli's former location. It's the perfect place to go with friends. Settle in with a tasting flight of mezcal or cocktails, and for small bites order their guacamole, tlayuda, and tuna taco to share. 

Day two

Start your second day at the original El Cardenal on Calle Palma in the Centro. It is known for its traditional Mexican dishes. I highly recommend las enchiladas de carnitas estilo Quiroga, but everything is amazing, and save room for their fresh conchas served with warm hot chocolate. 

Afterward, go to Museo Kaluz, which has Jose Maria Velasco's landscapes and Dr. Atl's volcano paintings. Continue to Palacio Bellas Artes. Check out the temporary exhibitions, concerts, and incredible murals by Diego Rivera and Alfaro Siqueiros under the glass dome. Stroll around Parque Alameda and wander around el Centro. Go to the Cathedral and Museo de San Ildefonso, a hidden gem with a beautiful courtyard and murals.

Then, walk down Calle Donceles, which is lined with every used bookstore you can imagine. It is perfect for browsing and unexpected finds. 

Head back towards Roma and to Maximo Bistort. A lively restaurant serving some of the best dishes. Order the daily specials. The Tostada de caracol de mar and the Pechuga de pate are both incredible. Also, the cheeseburger is considered one of the best in Mexico. If the french toast with fruit compote is on the menu, order it, it's my personal favorite. 

Walk around Alvaro Obregon, a boulevard filled with restaurants and coffee shops perfect for a stroll. 

In the afternoon, choose your own adventure: 

• Castillo de Chapultepec for incredible views of the city

• Polanco for a walk in Parque Lincoln, boutique shopping, or Onora, a high-end store with Mexican artesanias.  

• Lucha libre 

• Dance spot: Mama Rumba

Book a table at Bistro Erre in Polanco for some French food in a small, trendy restaurant. The ensalada verde comes loaded with cheese, but their signature dish is the pan de papa with caviar. For mains, order either the chicken or the el Onglet sellado. Close out your 48 hours in Mexico City with the ‘casi’ pie de nuez.